1921, November 1st, Tuesday.
The first day of November dawned cold and grey over Constantinople, the sky mirroring the sober mood that had gripped the city's political heart. Sultan Murad VII, the eighteen-year-old sovereign who had, in a single stroke, decapitated the collaborationist government of Damat Ferid Pasha, had slept only fitfully. The audacity of his own actions, the immense risks undertaken, and the monumental tasks that lay ahead had chased sleep from his chamber. But with the dawn came a renewed sense of purpose. Today, the first stones of a new edifice of Ottoman governance would be laid, even as the tremors from yesterday's earthquake continued to spread.
Ferik Fevzi Pasha arrived at Yıldız Palace as the first rays of weak sunlight touched the minarets. He was escorted by a visibly energized Hafız Bey, the Lord Chamberlain, who seemed to carry himself with a new, if subtle, air of importance. Fevzi Pasha, ever the professional soldier, was punctual, his uniform immaculate, his expression stern but with an undercurrent of keen anticipation. He had been summoned to meet not just the Sultan, but also the newly designated Grand Vizier, Ahmed Tevfik Pasha, who was already waiting with Murad in the Sultan's private study.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Your Highness," Fevzi Pasha greeted them both with a crisp salute, his eyes taking in the unusual sight of the elder statesman and the young Sultan seated together, clearly as a working council. This was a significant departure from the isolated audiences of the past.
"Pasha," Murad began, his tone businesslike but cordial, "thank you for your promptness. As you are aware, significant changes have occurred. Ahmed Tevfik Pasha has accepted the Seals of the Grand Vizier and is in the process of forming a new government – a government dedicated to the survival and revival of this Empire." Tevfik Pasha nodded gravely. "Indeed, Fevzi Pasha. And one of the first and most critical appointments we wish to confirm is that of Minister of War. His Imperial Majesty and I are in agreement that your experience, professionalism, and unblemished patriotism make you the ideal candidate for this onerous responsibility in these perilous times."
Fevzi Pasha's stern features remained composed, but a flicker of something – surprise, perhaps, or the weight of the offer – showed in his eyes. "Grand Vizier, Your Majesty. This is a profound honor, and an even more profound burden. As I stated yesterday, our military situation is… dire." "Precisely why we need a man of your caliber, Fevzi Pasha, not a palace ornament or a political appointee," Murad stated firmly. "Yesterday, I asked you to prepare a preliminary plan for the realistic improvement of forces loyal to Constantinople. Have you given it further thought?"
"I have, Your Majesty," Fevzi replied, producing a slim, handwritten document from his attaché case. "These are but initial thoughts, a framework. Given the constraints – Allied oversight, near-empty coffers, shattered morale, and compromised leadership in many existing units – any rebuilding must be incremental, discreet, and ruthless in its efficiency." He outlined his core ideas:
1. The Sultan's Own Guard (Hassa Ordusu): Not the ceremonial units, but the formation of a new, elite brigade, perhaps 3,000-5,000 men, recruited from the most loyal and physically capable elements within the existing Constantinople garrison and even, discreetly, from demobilized veterans known for their reliability. This unit would be directly loyal to the Sultan, quartered strategically, and trained intensively in secret. Its primary purpose: to secure the person of the Sultan-Caliph and the seat of government against any internal threat or coup.
2. Officer Purge and Re-education: A quiet but thorough review of all officers in the Constantinople command. Those deemed incompetent, corrupt, or irredeemably defeatist would be retired or reassigned to innocuous posts. Promising junior and mid-rank officers, especially those with combat experience and nationalist sympathies (though not necessarily aligned with Ankara) would be identified and brought into key positions within the new Hassa Ordusu and other revitalized units. A new training cadre would be established, focusing on modern tactics and instilling a renewed sense of Ottoman pride and purpose.
3. Arms and Equipment: This was the most challenging. Fevzi proposed a meticulous audit of all existing armories, seeking serviceable weapons and ammunition often hidden or forgotten. He also suggested exploring clandestine channels for acquiring arms – perhaps through neutral traders, or even discreetly from disaffected elements within some of the occupying forces themselves, if an opportunity arose. The local manufacture of basic munitions, if possible under Allied noses, was also a long-term goal.
4. Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence: A revitalized military intelligence unit, focused not just on Ankara, but critically on Allied activities, sympathizers within Constantinople, and potential internal threats to the new government.
Murad listened intently, occasionally interjecting with a question, his mind rapidly processing the implications. Tevfik Pasha, too, asked pertinent questions, mainly concerning the political fallout and the potential for securing even minimal funding. "Your plan is bold and pragmatic, Fevzi Pasha," Murad said when he had finished. "It acknowledges the grim realities while still striving for tangible improvement. What are the most immediate first steps you would take, should you accept the Ministry?"
"Acceptance of the post is contingent on one thing, Your Majesty, Your Highness," Fevzi stated, his gaze steady. "Clear and unwavering political support, and a commitment to shield this effort from internal sabotage and, as much as humanly possible, from premature Allied discovery. If I have that, then the first steps are: a discreet but thorough loyalty assessment of the Constantinople garrison commanders, starting today. Identification of a core group of officers to form the nucleus of the Hassa Ordusu. And a secret audit of the Tophane Arsenal and other ordnance depots."
"You have that support, Fevzi Pasha," Murad declared. "From me, and from the Grand Vizier. Consider yourself Minister of War. Tevfik Pasha will arrange the formalities. You will report directly to both of us. Your budget, however small, will be a priority. Your operational security is paramount." Tevfik Pasha nodded. "We will find the resources, Fevzi Pasha. Even if we must melt down the palace silver, the army must be restored. But discretion is indeed vital. The Allied reaction to Damat Ferid's dismissal is already… agitated."
This was the opening Murad had been waiting for. "What news on that front, Grand Vizier?" Tevfik Pasha sighed. "As expected, Your Majesty. The British High Commissioner, General Harington, sent an 'urgent request' for a meeting late last night. Sir Horace Rumbold, his diplomatic counterpart, has also made inquiries. The French and Italian representatives are similarly expressing 'deep concern' and 'surprise.' They are demanding an explanation for the change in government and assurances of continued Ottoman adherence to all existing treaties and agreements." "Naturally," Murad said, a thin smile on his lips. "They fear their compliant servant has been replaced by one who might actually remember he is an Ottoman. How do you propose we respond, Tevfik Pasha?"
"With calm dignity and firm resolve, Your Majesty," the old statesman replied. "I have drafted a formal note, to be delivered to all three High Commissions this morning. It announces my appointment by your Imperial decree. It affirms the new government's intention to uphold all established international obligations of the Ottoman State. It expresses a desire for continued 'correct and cooperative' relations. And it states that I will be prepared to meet with them, individually or collectively, once my cabinet is fully formed and has had the opportunity to review the pressing affairs of state – perhaps in two days' time."
"Two days," Murad mused. "Enough time to make them sweat a little, and enough time for us to consolidate. Excellent. Ensure the note also reiterates that the appointment of the Grand Vizier is an internal matter, a sovereign prerogative of His Imperial Majesty, the Sultan-Caliph." "That very phrase is included, Your Majesty," Tevfik confirmed.
The discussion then shifted to the broader cabinet. Tevfik Pasha reported on his overnight efforts. "Reşid Akif Pasha has agreed to consider Foreign Affairs, Your Majesty. He is a patriot, but cautious. He wishes to understand our precise stance towards the Allies before committing." "Understandable," Murad said. "Assure him our stance is one of dignified self-interest, not reckless provocation. We will honor what must be honored, but we will not volunteer new concessions nor tolerate undue infringements on what sovereignty remains to us."
"For Finance," Tevfik continued, "Cavit Bey is, as anticipated, hesitant. His past with the CUP makes him a target for some factions, and he fears being made a scapegoat for an impossible situation. He has requested an audience with you directly, Your Majesty, before making any decision." "Granted," Murad said. "Arrange it for this afternoon. A man of his financial acumen is essential, and if I can persuade him of our seriousness and offer him genuine support, he might be swayed."
"And for Sheikh-ul-Islam, Nuri Efendi has expressed his humble willingness to serve, should Your Majesty deem him worthy," Tevfik concluded. "He is a man of true piety and learning, respected by all." "Excellent. That is one pillar secured," Murad said, pleased. The spiritual legitimacy Nuri Efendi would bring was crucial.
The morning was consumed by these critical discussions. Fevzi Pasha departed with a new fire in his eyes, ready to begin his clandestine work. Tevfik Pasha left to dispatch his note to the Allied High Commissions and to continue the delicate dance of cabinet formation. Murad, meanwhile, received a brief, coded message from a contact Hafız Bey had cultivated on Sheikh Saffet Efendi's behalf. It merely stated: "The Gardener has found fertile soil and will report on the first sprouts when they appear." A small, almost imperceptible sign, but it meant Sheikh Saffet's mission to find a discreet channel to Anatolia was underway.
Later that afternoon, Murad received Cavit Bey. The former Minister of Finance was a sharp, intelligent man in his late forties, with piercing eyes and a precise manner of speaking. He had a reputation for brilliance in financial matters, but also for a certain intellectual arrogance and a complex political past. "Your Imperial Majesty," Cavit began, after the initial formalities, "forgive my directness, but I must understand the nature of this new government before I can consider lending my name and efforts to it. Is this a genuine attempt at national salvation, or merely a reshuffling of personalities destined to face the same inevitable collapse under Allied pressure and internal division?"
Murad met his gaze directly. "Cavit Bey, if I sought only a cosmetic change, I would have kept Damat Ferid Pasha on a shorter leash. I dismissed him because his path led only to ruin. This is an attempt, born of desperation perhaps, but also of profound conviction, to alter our trajectory. I seek ministers who are not afraid of hard truths or hard work. I know your reputation. Your skills are desperately needed. Our treasury is not just empty; it is a gaping wound. I do not expect miracles. I expect honest assessment, ruthless efficiency in what little we control, and creative thinking to find new avenues, new leverage, however small."
He outlined his broader strategy: internal consolidation, quiet military strengthening, a new approach to Ankara, and a more assertive (though not yet confrontational) stance with the Allies. "I will not lie to you, Cavit Bey. The risks are immense. The path will be arduous. But the alternative is the death of this Empire. If you join us, you will have my full support and direct access. Your counsel will be sought and valued. But I demand absolute loyalty to this new course, and a willingness to undertake unpopular but necessary measures."
Cavit Bey listened intently, occasionally asking a sharp, probing question. He was clearly weighing the immense challenge against the possibility of making a real difference, and perhaps, of rehabilitating his own complex legacy. "Your Majesty," he said finally, "what you propose is akin to navigating a ship through a hurricane with rotten timbers and a mutinous crew, while predators circle. But… your frankness, and the audacity of your vision, are… compelling. If Tevfik Pasha is truly committed, and if Fevzi Pasha can indeed create a reliable force to ensure a modicum of stability… then perhaps there is a sliver of a chance. Under those conditions, and with the assurances of your direct support, I will accept the Ministry of Finance. But I will require a free hand to implement drastic reforms, and I will not be a party to any fiscal illusions."
"You shall have it, Cavit Bey," Murad said, a sense of relief mingling with the gravity of the commitment. "Welcome aboard what you aptly describe as a most imperiled vessel. Together, we shall endeavor to keep her afloat, and perhaps even steer her to safer waters."
As Cavit Bey departed, the first tremors of the Allied reaction began to be felt more directly. Hafız Bey entered, his face carefully composed, but his message urgent. "Your Imperial Majesty, General Harington has acknowledged receipt of the Grand Vizier's note. He… 'requests' the Grand Vizier's presence at the British High Commission at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, without fail, to 'discuss the grave implications of recent events.' Sir Horace Rumbold has sent a similar summons. The French and Italian High Commissioners are also demanding immediate clarification."
Murad exchanged a look with Tevfik Pasha, who had returned for a final consultation before the end of the day. "So," Murad said softly, "the lions are stirring in their dens. They wish to see if the new gazelle will come meekly to be inspected. Grand Vizier, your first test in external diplomacy arrives swiftly." Tevfik Pasha straightened his frail shoulders. "Indeed, Your Majesty. With your leave, I will attend General Harington. I will listen to his 'concerns.' And I will politely but firmly reiterate the sovereign will of the Sultan and the peaceful, lawful intentions of his new government. We will not be intimidated."
"Precisely, Pasha," Murad approved. "Be firm, be dignified. Concede nothing of substance. Buy us time. We have much work to do before we are ready for any stronger posture." The day ended. A new government was taking shape, forged in crisis, its key members now largely in place. The first challenge from the Allied occupiers had been delivered. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but for the first time, Murad felt he had a team, however small and beleaguered, that might just be capable of walking it with him. The tremors were just beginning, but so was the quiet, determined work of rebuilding from the ground up.